New Recycling Containers

I finally made a decision and purchased a set of three recycling containers. It was a big decision and Konrad finally had to help me make it, as usual. We chose the more colorful option. The other option was to purchase a series of slim, muted-colored trash cans and line them up, but this takes up more floor space and Konrad seemed to like the more colorful option. Each bin holds 18 gallons, very impressive! We still collect the largest amount of plastics so the round green bin on the floor will be for those, we are still debating about what to put in the new bins. We recycle 6 things and there are only 3 new bins plus the plastics bin. Decisions, decisions.

Konrad took the recycles today and said several people asked about them. Later we realized that he also recycled a boxed up birthday present that I had in the back of the car. I finally bought wrapping paper this morning so I went to the car to get the box to wrap it. When I didn't see it in the back of the car I had a pretty good idea of where it was, but I was hoping I was wrong. Konrad went back by the recycling center on his way home this evening and by doing a bit of dumpster diving was thankfully able to retrieve the gift. So Ian, we WILL bring a gift to your party!

Introducing Night Train

We ventured south this weekend to purchase a 3 month old buck. Because of the nine degree weather, Konrad decided that Night Train should ride home in the floor board of the pickup... underneath my feet. He did very well and slept most of the way and made only a couple half hearted attempts to move. Kaden fell asleep on the way home and looked very uncomfortable so when we stopped at a gas station Konrad made him a pillow.

Kolin Turns 5!

Last Saturday we had a birthday party in H'ville for Kolin. I can't believe he's already 5. In 9 days he'll celebrate his 6th Christmas! He had a great time at his party. He said what he liked the best was opening presents and eating cake. I was proud that he shared his new toys with his brother a friend, Ian. Of course there were many to choose from. Today we met Konrad for lunch and had Kolin's official birthday lunch at one of his favorites, Captain D's. And I even let him get the normally-off-limits-loaded-with-sugar-and-fructose-syrup red strawberry drink. I figure if you can't pick out your own drink on your birthday what kind of birthday is it? Tonight we Skyped with Grammie T. and Bonka all the way up there in Washington. Kolin opened his gift from them while we were on the video call. I think he has enjoyed his birthday celebrations.

New Barn

In case you haven't been out to see our new barn, here are a couple of pictures, front view, back view and a picture of Kash's new house, made to match the barn of course.

Putting up the Christmas Tree

We finally got our tree up. We delayed
putting it up a little bit so it wouldn't be brown by Christmas when all the Kaul's arrive.

Me wearing the tree *skirt*.

Konrad putting on the tree topper.

Snow!

We got our first snow of the season. Not much compared to some, but it made a beautiful morning here at the Rocking K Ranch.

new bed

My Dad was busy this week. On Tuesday he finished laying the shoe mold around the hardwood floors and then on Tuesday he built a platform for our mattress and hung the headboard! Now I just have to find some taller bedside tables, but for now we'll use what you see here.

Boys Room Mini-Makeover

Ok, so it more like a window treatement installment that required me to move the furniture around. I spent the afternoon putting up blinds and moving things around the boys room while I watched the Titans get their first victory of the season! Go Titans! It must have been the Titans sweatshirt I wore today.

Halloween 2009

We had a SWAT team member and a Fireman this year. Kaden had a party at school and was supposed to go in costume but as soon as I got it on him, he wanted it off. I convinced him to let me take his picture before taking it off.

Moments before heading out for trick-or-treating.

I took the boys around the block. They were both cold and ready to go inside by the time we got to the house.

Dairy Tour/Kidfest

Kolin, Kaden and I went on a tour of a local dairy and found a very friendly cat. I couldn't believe how it would just lay on the porch and let all the kids "pet" it. I wanted to take him home, but we left him there for other visitors to enjoy. At the end of the tour we sampled the milk and butter made from the herd.

While Ken adn Tina were here we went to KidFest which included bounce houses, cotton candy, Krispy Kreme donuts and an MTSU football game. It was a bit chilly, but Konrad got us great seats up in his section that were at least a little shielded from the cold wind. We lasted until halftime, which was way later than naps. We had a long walk back to the car, I think they moved the car while we were watching the game, but once we got in the car it felt good to warm up on the way home.